North Carolina Communities

Lake Norman Real EstateThe Road Ahead with the Janowski Family: Driving the open road on a much-anticipated trip between Cleveland, Ohio, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, for your daughter's wedding is a memorable experience in itself. However, Kristof and Debbie Janowski had no way of knowing...Read More...

North Carolina Retirement Towns

Albemarle, North CarolinaOne of North Carolina's safest communities, Albemarle is a perfect place to raise a family or to spend your retirement years. Children and adults alike enjoy the... Read More...

Apex, North CarolinaThe focal point of the downtown area is the landmark 1914 Apex Union Depot, which once burned but is now completely restored with rich woodwork, a double fireplace, ticket windows to reflect the original station master's... Read More...

Asheville, North CarolinaWhen you do your research, it does seem that life is but a dream in Asheville. Located on the French Broad River with the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, the climate is... Read More...

Bald Head Island, North CarolinaACCESSIBLE ONLY BY BOAT, exclusive Bald Head Island is to some the perfect place to retire. Built with a keen eye toward sensitive land planning and coastal architecture, the developers of the private island resort community have created some of the most beautiful and valuable real estate on the North Carolina coast... Read More...

Beaufort, North CarolinaABeaufort (pronounced BO-fort), could be reached only by boat for hundreds of years prior to the 20th century, the town was isolated. Today, Beaufort still offers a secure, isolated feel to those who live there. The town's predominately wooden-built homes and buildings are almost all painted a crisp white, adding to the aura of serenity and peace... Read More...

Belhaven, North CarolinaOriginally called Jack's Neck, then later Bellport, and eventually Belhaven, the town is nestled within the banks of the Pantego Creek and the north shore of the Pungo River. This gateway to the Pamlico Sound is just thirty minutes from the Outer Banks, a... Read More...

Blowing Rock, North CarolinaIn the mid-1700s, a pair of feuding Indians tribes, the Cherokee and the Catawba, called this part of the High Country home. Two young lovers, one from each tribe, were near the Rock one day when the brave realized it was time to... Read More...

Boiling Spring Lakes, North CarolinaNow Boiling Spring Lakes proves to be one of the fastest growing towns in Bruswick County. Given its proximity to the Brunswick Island beaches, as well as the beauty of its own unusual lakes, it's no wonder the town continues... Read More...

Burgaw, North CarolinaPerhaps the most famous spot is the Historical Train Depot, which memorializes the town's stop on the early Wilmington to Weldon line. The depot dates back to 1850 but the town of Burgaw was not incorporated until 1879... Read More...

Burlington, North CarolinaHistory buffs will be in their element as they visit places such as the Alamance Battleground, the site of a Revolutionary War battle in 1771, or the Glencoe Mill Village, a housing development and cotton mill complex built in the early 1880s, which gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of 19th century textile workers... Read More...

Calabash, North CarolinaNESTLED ON THE TIDAL plains in the southeast corner of North Carolina lies a small fishing village with a timeless legacy and a rich tradition. Situated between the bright lights of Myrtle Beach to the south and the historic charm of Wilmington to the north, Calabash remains a pleasant respite from the modern world... Read More...

Carolina Beach, North CarolinaTHE WORD IS OUT AND THE verdict is in-small-town charm and warm ocean breezes make Carolina Beach a great place to spend the best years of your life. Crossing the Snow's Cut Bridge from Wilmington to Pleasure Island and its largest town, Carolina Beach, is a breath of fresh air as you leave the noise and traffic of the city for the serenity of a Southern coastal hideaway. Read More...

Cashiers, North CarolinaCASHIERS IS A TINY VILLAGE OF fewer than 200 people situated high in the mountains of Southwestern North Carolina. Near the Tennessee border, Cashiers-pronounced "cashers" by the locals-is often thought of in conjunction with its sister community of Highlands... Read More...

Caswell Beach, North CarolinaLOCATED AT THE SOUTHERN tip of coastal North Carolina, Caswell Beach combines two enviable elements: the beach life and the small town. Facing south, Caswell Beach is shielded from the busier tourist rush that sometimes consumes Southport and the rest of Oak Island... Read More...

Chapel Hill, North CarolinaChapel Hill offers a vibrant music scene. In fact, many music artists' careers began there. Tar Heel sports are also major events for Chapel Hill. More than 26 sports teams are housed under the roofs of Carmichael Auditorium and the Dean E. Smith Center complexes. To prove their support for Tar Heel sports, one fire engine from each fire station in Chapel Hill is painted Carolina Blue instead of the traditional fire engine red... Read More...

Charlotte, North CarolinaBEFORE THE LURE OF GOLD drew dreamers and treasure seekers to California, it attracted them to South Central North Carolina in search of untold riches. The Charlotte area spawned the nation's first gold rush early in the 19th century, shortly after a local jeweler realized that a 17-pound rock a family... Read More...

Concord, North CarolinaConcord is also somewhat of a shopping destination. The pedestrian-friendly downtown shopping area includes antiques, gift and clothing shops along with a variety of dining options. But perhaps the largest draw is Concord Mills which bills itself as the number one shopping and entertainment experience in the Carolinas... Read More...

Conover, North CarolinaIn fact, the town's economy is so strong the population of Conover quadruples to 24,000 each weekday, as tens of thousands of people commute in for work. Still the primary draw for Conover residents is the combination of its charming rural... Read More...

Emerald Isle, North CarolinaKNOWN AS THE "GEM OF THE Crystal Coast," Emerald Isle has quickly become one of the most popular family destination and vacation spots on the East Coast. With its immaculate beaches, festivals and endless activities, it's easy to see why people in increasing numbers are discovering this island jewel. Read More...

Fayetteville, North CarolinaAthletics also play a major role in Fayetteville's lifestyle. There are more than 20 golf courses, some of which are award-winning. Baseball is also popular, and it is a popular fact that George Herman "Babe" Ruth hit his very first home run as a professional baseball player in the city of Fayetteville... Read More...

Franklin, North CarolinaFranklin's treasures extend beyond gemstones. Located in the pristine mountains of western North Carolina, the town is surrounded by 16 waterfalls. Not to be missed are Dry Falls, which are anything but dry, but walk under the 75-foot falls anyway. Some falls are easily accessed while others involve a hike; if you're up to it, you won't be disappointed... Read More...

Goldsboro, North CarolinaNumerous historic markers identify places of interest and battlefields throughout the city. Some places you'll want to visit include the Goldsboro Union Station, the Waynesborough Historical Village and the Cherry Hospital Museum. Of particular interest is the Willow Dale Cemetery, where an 1883 Confederate monument commemorates the mass grave of grave of approximately 800 rebel soldiers... Read More...

Granite Falls, North CarolinaGranite Falls recently expanded its boundaries with the purchase of 72 acres on Lake Rhodhiss. This property will be used to protect Granite Falls' water supply and to provide additional recreation opportunities such as hiking and biking trails offering lovely water views. Three fishing decks and a picnic shelter will also be on the site... Read More...

Greenville, North CarolinaAntique stores are scattered throughout the county and offer fabulous finds. Greenville is also home to numerous art galleries that feature major art collections and work of local and regional artists. The Greenville Museum of Art offers tours, rotating exhibits and even art classes. More than 12,000 people visit the museum every year... Read More...

Hampstead, North CarolinaONCE ONLY A SMALL FISHING village, Hampstead is now in one of the fastest growing areas in North Carolina. Newcomers of all ages are making the quaint little waterfront community their permanent home, and many of them are retirees, seeking the peace of mind towns like Hampstead provide... Read More...

Hickory, North CarolinaHickory's early success was tied to the railroad which helped it to develop into a trading center. After the Civil War, the city continued to expand and grow but it was not until 1901, when the first furniture plant opened, that Hickory achieved its true calling... Read More...

Holden Beach, North CarolinaLocated at the southern tip of North Carolina, the beach runs east-west, providing interesting and magnificent vistas morning and night. The sun seems to rise directly out of the ocean, then set gently back into the peaceful... Read More...

Holly Ridge, North CarolinaONCE ONE OF THE SMALLEST towns on the southeastern North Carolina coast, Holly Ridge is known today as the gateway to Topsail Island. With numerous residential developments completed recently or still under construction, the town has quietly become a hot spot for people who want to live near the beach... Read More...

Jacksonville, North CarolinaNot everything about Jacksonville is military-oriented, however. There are many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful coastal location. Pristine beaches invite swimming, strolling, shelling and other activities while the New River is fun for kayakers and fishermen. Cyclists will particularly like the miles of biking trails such as the Jacksonville by the Sea course, which covers nearly 22 miles, not including the optional ferry trip to Bear Island... Read More...

Kernersville, North CarolinaIt is not all work and no play, however. Kernersville takes fun seriously with collegiate and professional sports and community festivals. The arts are very important and include Moravian music, chamber music, dance and theatre... Read More...

Lake Gaston, North CarolinaLake Gaston is, and has been, a destination for both retirement and vacation for decades. Some have property on the lake as a second home, while others permanently reside there. Either way, the lake gives many a reason to... Read More...

Lake Lure, North CarolinaWhen I first moved to the area, it was a sleepy little town," she says. "It still is, but the lure of the lake and the dramatic scenery are bringing in buyers and investors. More and more businesses are... Read More...

Laurinburg, North Carolina...Laurinburg also hosts numerous festivals and events such as the very popular Scottish Heritage weekend, where people of Scottish descent - or those who wish they were - gather to celebrate. The town also cherishes its historic past and history buffs will enjoy visiting places such as the John Blue House, which dates to the early 1800s. The owner, John Blue, was a self-educated inventor who helped further the cotton industry with his cotton stalk cutter and the John Blue Cotton Planter. The estate features additional historic cottages... Read More...

Leland, North CarolinaJust five minutes from Wilmington's historic River District, Leland lies along the Brunswick River and is the central hub of Northeast Brunswick County. Boasting an enviable location and a temperate climate, Leland is close to beaches in Brunswick and New Hanover counties and offers a wide variety of homes for those interested in... Read More...

Lenoir, North CarolinaLenoir offers numerous living options for residents such as on a lakeside, in a valley, on or near one of the excellent golf courses or on the sides of the mountains. But even more important than location, the people of Lenoir take great pride in their town and its history and are proud to boast of receiving a 2008 All-American City Award. Other important factors that make Lenoir a great place to live include strong support of education and excellent health care... Read More...

Lillington, North CarolinaLillington provides for the soul, also, through the Harnett County Arts Council which oversees a regional theater group, art guild, the Helena Wade Music Club and the Cape Fear Writers Guild. The Arts Council is instrumental in providing cultural events such as concerts, plays, lectures and exhibitions throughout the year... Read More...

Maggie Valley, North Carolinavisiting Maggie Valley is much like returning to the home of a good friend. The town prides itself on Southern hospitality and it is evident at every turn. Rustic motels and condos abound but to truly experience the magic of Maggie, a mountain cabin - preferably next to a babbling brook - is the order the day. Cool breezes encourage a hearty breakfast and you'll need it to fuel yourself for a fun-packed day... Read More...

Manteo, North CarolinaManteo is home to Roanoke Island—a strip of land nestled between North Carolina's mainland and the Outer Banks with an important role in the nation's history. This tiny island was England's first... Read More...

Morehead City, North CarolinaSituated across from Beaufort on the Newport River near where it runs into the Atlantic Ocean, Morehead City is a mainland seaport rich in maritime past. In keeping with its rich history, the town hosts marine research... Read More...

Mount Airy, North CarolinaThe arts are well represented with art galleries, music events and festivals and handmade pottery. And if you're a wine lover, you just may have hit the mother lode. Situated as it is in the Yadkin Valley wine region, Mount Airy offers many opportunities for wine tasting and tours at local vineyards... Read More...

Nags Head, North CarolinaWithin 20 years, Nags Head had become a resort attraction, with about 20 vacation homes from the Albemarle Sound to the Atlantic Ocean. At this time there was a resort called the Nags Head Hotel at the foot of... Read More...

New Bern, North CarolinaIf the convention center is the jewel of New Bern, then its centerpiece is 13 Flags Over New Bern. Located downtown, this arrangement of flags was created in 1973 and contains the American flag, along with the official state and town flags, in the center of a ring of 13 historical flags dating back as far as... Read More...

Newport, North CarolinaThis close-knit community has been around since the early 1700s but was not granted a charter until 1866. The town grew around a landing on the Newport River, where barges were loaded with supplies for the West Indies. A general store was founded nearby by the Bell family, three brothers who held land grants, and the spot became known as Bell's Corner... Read More...

Oak Island, North CarolinaNow a favorite spot for retirees, the city itself was founded in 1999, when the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach were consolidated. Leaders from the neighboring towns saw incorporation as a means to reduce the expenses of the... Read More...

Ocean Isle Beach, North CarolinaLocated between the tourist mecca of Myrtle Beach and the historic charm of Wilmington, little is known about its early years, when it belonged to a variety of people, none of whom had a clear direction for the island. Until the 1950s, Ocean Isle was little more than a family getaway for those who owned sprawling expanses of ocean-front property. In 1953, Odell Williamson purchased the entire island, incorporating it into the town... Read More...

Pilot Mountain, North CarolinaProsperity arrived in Pilot Mountain in 1880, along with the railroad. Depot Street was not only the main street, it also served as the center for activity. The first school was established shortly followed by Trinity Academy, a branch of Duke University, which enticed newcomers to town... Read More...

Pittsboro, North CarolinaYou might think that Pittsboro lives in the past as you stroll the Antique Walk. Almost everyone will be able to find a treasure in the 25,000 square feet and shops featuring everything from furniture to rare books, estate jewelry to vintage clothing and so much more. Take a break from the hunt to enjoy a quick bite in an old-fashioned soda fountain... Read More...

Raleigh, North CarolinaTHE RALEIGH-DURHAM AREA is a hotbed of college basketball. From October through March, the attention of the sports world is more often than not focused on the fierce rivalries among the state's three most prominent schools: Duke University, the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University. Read More...

Rockingham, North CarolinaToday Rockingham continues to be a prosperous and vibrant community. With more than 40 industries, including companies such as Burlington and Perdue, its economic basis is sound. The textile industry, which dates back to the 1800s, continues to be a major force in Richmond County... Read More...

Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Although formally incorporated in 1867, by the end of the 19th century, the town's population remained at only about 3,000. The railroad and the tobacco industry contributed to its growth in the 20th century. Then, as personal travel by rail gave way to automobiles, the town benefited from the development of three major highways that intersect in Rocky Mount... Read More...

St. James, North CarolinaMORE THAN A decade ago, St. James was 3,300 acres of undeveloped farmland. Now, this upscale golf course development west of Southport is favored by retirees who want to indulge their passion for golf. Read More...

Sanford, North CarolinaSanford is a wonderful example of the quintessential Southern town. Its history as a small railway town has been preserved even as it embraces modern times with a more diversified economic base. Mix in friendly people and a pleasant lifestyle and you have the recipe for a perfect place to live... Read More...

Shallotte, North CarolinaThe Shallotte area offers a large number of golf courses. Shallotte alone has courses ranging from Brunswick County's original course, Brierwood Golf Club, to a recent Arnold Palmer design, Rivers Edge Golf Course. For outdoor enthusiasts, all manner of water sports abound. Quail, wild turkey, deer, ducks and other native... Read More...

Siler City, North CarolinaSiler City has been known for its friendly citizens and wonderful lifestyle as far back as the 1750s, when it was just a railroad town and agricultural center. Chartered as a town in 1887, Siler City is an oasis of Southern charm blended with a strong economic base... Read More...

Sneads Ferry, North CarolinaThe town dates back 1728, when Edmund Ennett established a ferry which was an important link to the Post Road linking Suffolk, Virginia to Charleston, South Carolina. Due to increased traffic, a second ferry began operating on the opposite bank of the New River... Read More...

Southport, North CarolinaThe residents of Southport have made preserving their rich history a priority. The 200-year-old live oaks that line many of the streets are protected by law, as are the faithfully preserved Victorian mansions found... Read More...

Statesville, North CarolinaLocated in a lovely rural area atop a plateau in the Blue Ridge foothills, it is convenient to the bright lights of Charlotte and Winston-Salem. Affordable housing and community activities make Statesville a comfortable fit for those young and old alike. History buffs will especially enjoy the historic downtown area that continues to be the vibrant heart of the community... Read More...

Sunset Beach, North CarolinaMany quaint coastal communities and larger cities are within easy driving distance of Sunset Beach, offering world-class golf, shopping, sightseeing, fishing and dining options. Calabash, the world-famous "Seafood Capital of the World," is only five minutes away. For those seeking a bit more excitement, it takes less than an hour to... Read More...

Surf City, North CarolinaThe town and the island have much to offer for those seeking a laid-back, small-town atmosphere. Located about 25 miles south of Jacksonville and the same distance north of Wilmington, visitors and residents will find beautiful beaches, interesting shops, fine restaurants and recreational activities, including golf, kayaking, bike riding and fishing. The winter and summer weather, as well as the cost of living, are... Read More...

Sylva, North CarolinaThe town is named in honor of William Sylva. A Danish handyman, Sylva worked at the local sawmill owned by the family of the founder, E. R. Hampton. Hampton's daughter liked Sylva and chose his name for the town... Read More...

Statesville, North CarolinaLocated in a lovely rural area atop a plateau in the Blue Ridge foothills, it is convenient to the bright lights of Charlotte and Winston-Salem. Affordable housing and community activities make Statesville a comfortable fit for those young and old alike. History buffs will especially enjoy the historic downtown area that continues to be the vibrant heart of the community... Read More...

Topsail Beach, North CarolinaTOPSAIL ISLAND, NORTH Carolina, a little more than 26 miles long, includes three towns-North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach-and some of the best beaches on the East Coast... Read More...

Washington, North CarolinaWASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA -referred to as "Little Washington" by some-was the first town in America named after Revolutionary War General and U.S. President George Washington. Originally named "Forks of the Tar" when it was founded in 1771, the town became Washington amid the patriotic fervor of 1776... Read More...

Wilmington, North CarolinaDURING THE 1990S, WILMINGTON evolved into one of the fastest-growing retiree havens in the region, a trend that continues today. The warm weather, nearby beaches and rich history of the area draw people from across the country to call this famed Cape Fear River town home... Read More...

Winston-Salem, North CarolinaTWO NEARBY TOWNS SETTLED nearly a century apart and for vastly different reasons are now one thriving city with a well-earned reputation as a center for Southern and American arts. Read More...

Wrightsville Beach, North CarolinaThe Cape Fear Coast will forever be tied to it's centuries-old nautical legacy. Its rich heritage dates back to the early explorers who named the area Cape Fear for its rugged shoals and treacherous waters that even today give the saltiest of sea captains reason to pause... Read More...